President Joe Biden told pool reporters on Wednesday that states lifting COVID restrictions are making a “big mistake” and called their move to do so “Neanderthal thinking”.
“The last thing we need is neanderthal thinking that, in the meantime, everything is fine. Take off your mask. Forget it. It’s still matters,” Biden said.
Two Republican governors have announced that they are lifting COVID restrictions in their states. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said he will lift all COVID restrictions by issuing an executive order. Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves said he will be lifting mask mandates for every county on Wednesday.
Still, the Biden administration is urging Americans to wear a mask even though states are loosening restrictions.
“We have been very clear that now is not the time to release full restrictions,” CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said. “Every individual is empowered to do the right thing here, regardless of what the states decide — for personal health, for public health, for the loved ones in their communities.”
